SUMMER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

SUMMER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

An eight-week paid ministry opportunity equipping the next generation to lead, serve, and share the Gospel.

More than an internship — it's a summer of purpose.

The Raleigh Dream Center Summer Leadership Program exists to equip the next generation of servant leaders by developing young people ages 16–24 in Godly character, evangelism, and practical ministry skills while bringing the gospel and tangible hope to under-resourced communities across Raleigh.

Over 8 weeks, you’ll lead kids camps in local neighborhoods, learn to share the Gospel with confidence, serve at community events, and receive hands-on spiritual and professional mentorship from Raleigh Dream Center staff.

This isn’t a classroom. It’s hands-on mission in the community you live in — and you’ll leave with real experience, real relationships, and a faith that’s been tested and grown.

Applications open
April 1 - May 1

Everything You Need To Know

dates

June 15 – August 7, 2026 
Monday–Friday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
No program July 3rd, 2026

Eligibility

Open to students ages 16–24 who want to reach local communities with the Gospel while growing in leadership.

Compensation

$7.25/hour for standard interns
$8.25/hour for Outreach Leader Interns (OLI)
Breakfast included daily

Orientation

Mandatory paid orientation: June 11 & 12, 9am–2pm. All interns must attend before the program begins.

SATURDAY EVENTS

Adopt-A-Block — June 13th, 9am–1pm
Back2School Bash with Jaccob Slavin — August 1st, 9am–1pm
Both are required for all interns.

What You'll Receive

Completion Certificate for your resume, direct mentorship from RDC staff, evangelism training, leadership skills, and real ministry experience.

SKILLS. EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY.

The Summer Leadership Program equips you with the skills, experience, and community connections to grow as a leader, servant, and follower of Christ.

Gain Hands-on Leadership Experience — Plan programs, oversee events, and work directly with church groups and volunteers.

Develop Evangelism Skills — Receive training and practice sharing your faith in real-world settings.

Receive Mentorship & Biblical Knowledge — Learn from RDC staff through direct spiritual and professional mentorship.

Join a Faith-Filled Community — Connect with other young leaders who share your values and passion for service.

Build Confidence in Your Calling — Gain clarity and assurance in the unique purpose God has given you.

Outreach Leader Intern (OLI) Positions

A limited number of leadership roles are available within the Summer Leadership Program. These positions are for applicants 18 years or older and come with additional responsibilities and increased pay.

Interested candidates must complete the primary intern application BEFORE applying for this leadership role.

Compensation $8.25/hour

  • Additional Paid Orientation: Attend OLI-specific orientation days from June 8th, 9th & 10th, 9 AM–2 PM, along with the general orientation on the 11th & 12th, including the Saturday Adopt-A-Block “Serve Day,” for training in evangelism and leadership.
  • Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in mentorship and leadership among peers.
  • Point of Contact: Serve as a liaison for the coordinator, communities, and church groups.
  • Lead Missions: Guide peers and short-term mission groups within local communities.
  • Program Management: Work directly with the coordinator on planning, management, and tracking progress.

This summer, I had the privilege of serving children and forming connections that left a lasting imprint on my heart. I’ll never forget my first day, when a child ran toward our tent, seeing it as a place of safety, fun, and someone who cared to listen. In that moment, I realized how deeply these children longed to be seen—and that we were there to reflect the God who sees them.” 

Tessa Huang, 2025 SLP Leader

Intern Quotes

"Through the SLP, the Lord taught me about being bold in my faith and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. I was able to step out of my comfort zone and ask the kids spiritual questions and pray over them."
Addison Armstong
2022 Intern
"I have grown in my confidence in sharing the Gospel. I have also really grown in faith and stepping into the Lord's calling. It was amazing to see how the Lord works through us when we are obedient."
Jamie Sato
2020 Intern
"I learned how to share the Gospel clearly, eloquently and concisely. It felt so rewarding sharing it for the first time and seeing kids respond. I felt that I had made an impact for the Lord, and that's what keeps me going."
James Murphy
2020 Intern
"The most beneficial part of the internship was being taught how to share the gospel effectively. Seeing the importance put on evangelism at RDC meant a lot to me. I feel so much more confident in who I am in Christ."
Cassatt Laurens
2021 Intern
"I am more secure in my walk with God. Being surrounded by others who consistently hold me accountable and ask me thoughtful questions and insightful conversations about my faith has helped me tremendously."
Annia Izquierdo
2020 Intern

Help send the next generation

Support the Summer Leadership Program

If you or your organization want to make a lasting impact for Christ, you can help the Summer Leadership Program succeed through your donation!

Your gift funds local missions in Wake County and provides a leadership experience that shapes the next generation.
Be sure to add “SLP Internship” in your donation comments!

  • $180 covers 1 intern for 1 week.
  • Any contribution supports the overall cost of the internship program

Ready to Apply?

Applications open April 1 and close May 1. Don’t wait!

Phone: (919) 867-4446

Email: info@raleighdreamcenter.org

Location Address: 4301 Louisburg Rd., Raleigh NC 27604

Mailing Address: 6325 Falls of Neuse Rd. Suite 35-409, Raleigh NC 27615

As a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax deductible to the full extent as permitted by law.  Our Form 990 is available upon request.